£8m affordable housing scheme in rural Dorset delivered

AJC Group has completed its £8m Violet Cross affordable development for Abri, one of the largest housing providers operating in the south of England.

Located in the rural Dorset village of Hazelbury Bryan, the 21 two and three-bedroom homes are now ready for occupation.

The brownfield redevelopment has transformed the almost two-acre site – formerly the Handley Cross Depot – which had lain derelict for eight years.

Planning permission was secured by AJC Group for a collection of 13 open market homes and eight affordable dwellings.

However, in line with the company’s corporate strategy and ambition to change the face of social housing, the Dorset-headquartered housebuilder worked with Abri to deliver the scheme for 100% affordable housing.

Designed by Morgan Carey architects, there are five two-bedroom homes and 16 three-bedroom houses.

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “We are extremely proud of this partnership project. Working together with Abri, we have transformed a derelict brownfield site into 21 outstanding new homes. These eco-focused houses are in line with our aim and vision to produce higher quality affordable homes throughout the Wessex region, responding to the housing needs of this previously underserved rural community.”

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones of Dorset Council, said: “Homes in stunning rural locations like this often come at a premium, which is why it’s so rewarding to see these completed homes, which will help more people onto the housing ladder.

“Affordable housing supports the community and is one of the main contributing factors that enables local people to remain. Dorset Council continues to work closely with our communities to build more homes where they’re needed, and we’re committed to supporting the delivery of the right homes in the right places for generations to come.”

Ralph Facey, director of operations at Abri said: “The power of collaboration is invaluable to the housing sector and Violet Cross is a great example of what can be accomplished by working together. Thank you to Dorset Council and AJC Group for what has been achieved here. Working in partnership, we’ve helped deliver high-quality, affordable homes in a beautiful rural location that will help to strengthen the community.

“Affordability is such a key issue now, particularly with the increased cost of living and the significant demand for affordable housing, so it’s great to be making all these 21 new homes affordable. Abri is committed to supporting communities and we hope these new sustainable, eco-conscious homes have all the elements needed for the community to thrive.”